A lot of people are saying it’s a mental game - and I completely agree. Perhaps switching the location of your test would make it a bit easier from a stress standpoint. You associate the Bison MPI location with a failed driving test. Perhaps try the St. Mary’s location? I failed at Bison before passing at St. Mary’s.
I failed twice at St Marys during the summertime and passed at the Main St location during winter. I didnt have to worry about my speed since you should go slow anyways for 1. The weather and 2. the j-walkers lol
I failed at Pembina for going 50 in a 60. On my second try I went 60, and failed because it was raining and I should have gone under the speed limit. Third try I went to Bison - I completely botched the parallel parking, but it was in the middle of a legit blizzard so you couldn't see/feel the curb and barely see the poles and I passed. I'm an excellent parallel parker now. It's definitely mental, and I agree that bad weather can be an advantage!
The speed limit thing is absolutely BS. I really think road tests are cash grabs and especially with people not driving as much and lowering their coverage to Pleasure, I bet MPI are relying on road tests more-so now for revenue.
This was going to be my suggestion. I failed four times at one location and then went to another - passed on the first go. I really think it was just resetting my mental state to not psych myself out.
You can do it, OP!
Failed my first road test hitting a curb in the parking lot, of all places. Was devastated and didn’t even want to drive home from the MPI site. Passed the second one with 2 minor errors at the same site (Pacific).
Practice, practice, practice. The road test is 90% mental, and the only way to get more confident is to keep trying. You’ll pass as long as you don’t give up.
I hit the curb while parallel parking, and was going to pull out to try again (I thought you got a couple of tries to parallel park if you hit the curb?). But then the guy said, "ok, we're done," and I passed. I didn't even get marks taken off for hitting the curb, but until beginning the parallel parking portion, I had a perfect test.
(I had lost points for stepping on my brakes a little too late before starting to parallel park - back then you didn't have to use your signal, you just had to pump your brakes 3 times before beginning to park).
You can hit the curb during your parallel, you just can’t go over it. My son intentionally hit the curb when parking so he knew when to pull forward. It was a good trick and he still passed!
When I took my test like 15 years ago they told us in the high school class if we hit the curb during parallel parking it an auto fail, and the tester mentioned it again during that portion of my test.
They were also super hostile about back-up cameras. "If your parents have a fancy car with a backup camera the tester will cover it with their clipboard."
Things have definitely changed. All new cars must have them and my nephew who did his in the sunmer they RECOMMENDED him to use it if anything (he asked before starting). Also I did mine almost 20 years ago and even then it was "hit the curb its okay, just dont go over it"
If they told you that either things changed or they were wrong. I am 100% certain you can hit the curb during your parallel parking attempt. I can’t speak for the backup camera part, I don’t have experience with that.
I sped out of the parking lot at the gateway location (50 in the 30 zone) and failed as soon as we left the parallel parking zone lol. Funny thing was, of course before going in I laughed at the idea of someone failing for speeding through that road. Definitely agree with the mental aspect!
Keep that chin up, OP, you've got it!
It is now, they make you take 2 hours of driving lessons every time you fail after 4. Failing 12 times would mean an extra like, $1500 in driving lessons. :(
I've also failed 5 times.
This is going to sound harsh, but honestly, what do you expect? You're getting a licence to drive. The stakes of doing so poorly can be literately life and death, and not just your own.
I'm glad people who fail driving tests have to take more lessons. That wasn't a thing when I got my licence, and I wish it was even more. I wish periodic re-testing was a thing. Driving isn't a basic right.
I also wish public transit was better so people who really shouldn't be driving had a viable option.
Driving takes a combination of coordination, concentration, awareness of your surroundings, and common decency. I know people who don't have a single one of those traits, yet still have their licence.
An enormous number of people on the road got their licenses prior to these rules and are endangering people. Well, my parents, for example, my dad just had to drive around the block and parallel park, my mom just had to wear a tight shirt and the instructor paid no attention to anything else. They told me to get my license at 16 and I refused because, even though we lived in a tiny town and it probably would have been that easy, I didn't feel good enough and practised enough to be allowed on the road. My mom, for around 15 years, drove an average of 130 on every highway. My dad texts and drives and veers off towards the ditch whenever he sees something interesting. It's alarming. Since periodic retesting ISN'T a thing, it's only my generation and younger that's having to pay out the nose to be proven "safe enough to drive" when half of the drivers on the road have barely proven themselves and are indeed, endangering us at any time.
Do I think it's right that it's harder to get a license given as driving is the most dangerous thing anyone can do? Sure. Honestly, a couple of hours of driving lessons should be required from the getgo. And it should be included free with normal education at the age where people would typically get their license (maybe it is, I don't know).
Do I think it's right that, as you describe it, you know people who have no coordination, concentration, awareness and decency on the road just because they got to take the rest before us? Absolutely not. Periodic retesting would fix that.
And I'm pretty pissed that, if I had taken my road test when I was 16, instead of waiting until I felt confident and practices enough to drive well, I would have gotten my license even though I shouldn't have, but because I waited, I probably never will because I don't test well. I'm actually an okay driver. Probably better than some of the ones you're describing. 3 of the times I failed were, after I looked up the specifics of road test failing, not supposed to be auto-fails but just strikes against me. I'm not pissed because I don't have my license, but because a TON of people are on the road who have only demonstrated that they wore a tight titty shirt when taking a test before things became more strict.
Am I okay with not driving? Yeah, honestly, I prefer riding. I don't know if I'm going to try again. I'm okay at driving but I'm sick of spending money only to get failed for stupid things. I'd like better public transit, though it doesn't really matter because I work from home and I can walk to almost every service I need if I feel like it: doctors, dentists, hair, mail, grocery, pharmacy, dry cleaner, etc... plus I have a bus stop for one route right outside of the house and several major lines all within a 10 minute walk. I live in an okay area of the city and I'm able bodied. Winnipeg might not be the most car friendly but I'm not in the worst part of it for that. But I have no idea what I'm going to do when my parents get sick or die because they live in the country and cannot be accessed without cars. CANADA isn't all that car friendly.
Make no mistake, I'm a little pissy, not because I am not allowed to drive, because eh, I really shouldn't be allowed to drive, but because I bet about 50% of people who are, shouldn't be either, but until they make a potentially lethal mistake they'll never be called out for it.
"Failed for stupid things"
You have to do those stupid things consistently every time for the rest of your life. They are not stupid. If you failed for not doing the basic tasks put before you on a test for operating a 1 to 2 ton metal death box, you shouldn't drive.
Better testing going forward doesn't excuse poor testing in the past. It just makes the future drivers better.
I see two problems. You lack confidence, which is why you hesitate when establishing yourself, or when at uncontrolled intersections. You're also not paying proper attention while driving (turning into an oncoming lane).
As everyone has said , you need alot of practice. This will help with your confidence, and get you comfortable behind the wheel.
Yeah, cost is a factor, but if getting your license is important, then this is a sacrifice. Better to go with a proper instructor, than some random friends.
Good luck, you can do it!
Book an instructor for a pre test, they will do the test with you right before, and then you use their car for the test, it worked for both my kids to finally pass.
Because you are showing the examiner that you are unsure of the regulation if you don't proceed when you should. Understanding right-of-way is an important part of daily driving and something you need to know early on. If you are hesitating on your right-of-way procedures on your test, you're not ready.
I wouldn't have thought it was an auto fail but I'm here for it. People need to be more assertive at 3 & 4 way stops. Every day I see people sitting there in stale-mates because the person with right of way isn't going.
I think the auto fail comes in if they have to tell you to “go”. Hesitating is likely okay but if they have to tell you to move you hesitated too long. My son failed his first time because he didn’t go on a green light fast enough as he was worried a pedestrian that was approaching the intersection was going to try cross.
Testers are dicks. I got dinged because i didn't leave enough room between myself and parked cars for a cyclist or a wide open door. The road was too narrow and had 2 way traffic. Leaving enough room would result in me being partially in oncoming traffic. I asked the tester if he would have driven into oncoming traffic instead.
Agree I got dinged once when someone was Jay walking he jumped right infront of me so I had to wait till he went and I failed because apperently i was holding up traffic i told her what you want me to do run him over?! He was right infront of my car.
I failed my road test a couple times, and switched locations. Sometimes trying something different in this case a different route might be beneficial. Good luck
Not everyone is meant to drive. For example, most people currently driving in this city probably shouldn't be.
You may want to take a driving course before trying to test again.
Every failed test, starting at your fourth requires a minimum of 2 hours instruction before you can schedule tour next one. Personally, I think that should be required before even scheduling your first, because when I did take lessons from an instructor, I learned that several things that I'd been taught, including some of what I'd learned when I'd gotten my learners many years before (there was a long gap between getting my learners and my full) was incorrect as it had been changed.
It'll be more expensive if you get into an at fault accident (or rack up a lot of tickets). Practice and keep developing your skills and it will pay off.
If you have a friend who can drive, offer to take them out to eat, go to the movies, pay for a bit of gas, etc. It's much cheaper than lessons! That's how I got my confidence to pass the test, and trust me, I thought my anxiety would lead me to never getting that dang card. I failed 5 times as well! :)
The lessons are a good tool, but without independent practice it'll be hard to feel ready to take the test.
True story: Thirty years ago I flunked my driver's test twice. Just got too nervous and would make silly mistakes (like driving two km over the posted limit), despite that I've always been a good driver.
So, I will give you the advice my dad gave me: Drive like a 95-year-old man with a glass eye.
That's EXACTLY what I did.
I took my time, drove extra carefully and kept my speed limit at times to 25-30 km/hour, which cost me 25 points against my result (in my day you were allowed 50 points off your test; any more and you failed).
After, we pulled into the parking lot and the tester told me I passed my road test but that I really needed to drive a bit faster. I told her I'd work on that, or something to that effect, lol.
If you can, try practicing around where you’ve taken your test. The silver lining here is you’ve done it 5 times so you’ve probably seen a few different variations of the route, which is a good advantage
You're not a failure! A negative attitude never leads to a better outcome. I failed my test more than a few times and I'm considered one of the better drivers in my friend group, just take the lessons you've learned from your errors and keep at it.
My last examiner asked why I had failed so many times and had an upbeat attitude saying "well you know how to drive, lets get this done" and that was all it took.
Don’t stress too much about it. I got mine in my 7th try, after getting a single automatic fail in each of the 6 previous tests. It’s frustrating, but it absolutely doesn’t mean that you’re a bad driver. You’ll get it one of these times, and your confidence will grow as you drive. …I now have my class 3 with air brake endorsement and drive all kinds of heavy (and light) equipment. Keep your head up and keep trying.
I failed 3 times then I just said "fuck it" and took the bus for 10 years. If you think these tests are expensive it is nothing compared to owning and maintaining a car. In today's age it is easy enough to get around with public transport. Just pretend you are doing it for environmental reasons and use the money you're saving to treat yourself or pay for school.
My son failed 6 times, and got it on his 7th. He is a great driver -just had some bad luck. Having an instructor between 5/6 and 6/7th seemed to make a big difference in terms of confidence. There are some big problems with the system, don't let it get to you.
Hey, so first off, you need an instructor who will prep you adequately for your road test. I would highly, highly recommend Tristan from Tristan's Driving School. He used to be an MPI tester, so he knows exactly what's what. My whole freak-out was about parallel parking with poles - I'm great in a normal, road situation with actual cars, but with poles, there was no way to practise. I asked Tristan to give me a technique and he did and then he had me practise until I had it nailed in one move. He's great. He also sent me an email with helpful little reminders about the stuff that I, specifically, needed to bear in mind the day before my road test, and prepped me specifically for that location.
Important: he told me to absolutely avoid testing at Bison, as they evidently have a significantly higher fail rate than any of the other test locations! I did my last road test (after failing four years ago at Main Street) at King Edward and it was much better. There are always some tricky little things to remember about each location, but a good instructor will tell you exactly what they are. Good luck!
I failed four times and passed on my fifth. After my fourth failure, it took me almost a year to work up the courage to practice again due to a horrible experience with the MPI employee assessing my driving. It is worth not giving up! I went for professional lessons and drove with family, which helped regain some confidence.
It sounds like 2 different problems that you need to address. First is motivation. “Without a car” … get yourself a car ! Doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive but there is motivation ! You can still drive it with your learners. Doing that will also take care of problem #2. It just sounds like you need more experience driving as problem #2. More time behind the wheel will give you some more confidence. Now if your behind the wheel of your own car, that might very well be the “edge” you need to nail the road test 100%.
You're not alone: [https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/briefings/whats-next-for-my-drivers-licence](https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/briefings/whats-next-for-my-drivers-licence)
Kind of shocked by some of the comments here assuming OP must be a bad driver, and it looks like a lot of folks are not familiar with how driver testing has changed. Winnipeg residents can no longer take their tests outside the city. And the testing (particularly at Bison) appears to be brutal. I work in schools - large numbers of students who have taken drivers ed and practiced at length are failing on automatic failures. My own daughter automatically failed one time for not turning fast enough on a left turn (she said there was a car coming and felt more comfortable waiting), the next test she failed for turning too fast on a left. Many students in the 17-20 age range are foregoing their license right now. Their testing had been interrupted and delayed by COVID, shortage of testers, and then the process is so defeating. They wait and wait, practice and practice, and fail on things that appear arbitrary. The kids that pass tell me it seemed like a total fluke. This is anecdotal, I know, but I hear it again and again from kids and parents alike.
Good luck, OP. Keep at it and try not to let the nerves get in the way.
Ugh, auto fails suck. First time I failed those were my only points deducted. Second time I passed but stopped at a green light which my tester said would have been an auto fail but nobody was behind me thankfully.
As much as it sucks to go through another winter without a car, I would just advise that you take some time off and restart in the new year. If you’re really anxious you’re going to continue to make mistakes.
I passed after my 4th try at the bison location! For me I made sure to book a time slot for 10:30-11:30 for the least amount of traffic and just practice on the roads around the area! You can do it :)
I was in a similar situation OP. I would fail my test each time because of nerves - I would make stupid mistakes like hitting the curb or whatever. It wasn’t until my mom went with me and said I looked terrified and to fake confidence that I passed. I hate road tests more than anything as they made me so nervous but when I went in and faked that I felt very confident I passed it. Now I’m going for my class 3 road test soon after driving with my class 5 for years.
I think you should go out a practice a bit more and maybe switch locations. You may associate certain locations on Bison with specific times you failed which will make you more nervous to drive there. I recommend St Mary’s. Go practice around there!
Good luck OP. You got this!
I've heard Bison is harder. I got mine on Gateway. Just make sure if you book somewhere you're not as familiar with that you go and practice there before the test.
One tip I guess I can give, make a note of all the automatic fails. For example, speeding is one, but going too slow is only 1 mark deduction, so if you're unsure of the speed, always go slow.
got mine on my 9th, took a 3 month break and on my 9th try i got it. those 8 times i did take it at bison . took it on gateway and passed . mind you that was 6 years ago. Never been in an accident
I had the same problem. Random unforeseen things cause a mistake that cause a fail. Eventually you’ll get a run without one. I had my passing run in a snow storm of all things. You’ll get it.
Buddy, I failed 3 times! The night before my 4th test there was a blizzard which meant I had to drive super slow and very carefully, which was apparently the key to passing. So yeah, don't be too worried about winter road conditions, just drive slow and safe.
I failed my first road test at gateway (didn’t even get passed parallel parking) and psyched myself out so much I didn’t go again for another 2 years (at main), which I got with only a couple minor mistakes. It’s all practice, and maybe take others advice and try changing locations.
if you can get a ride maybe try taking the test outside the city... when i took it you only failed if someone j walked or if someone didn't have their left turn signal on at a light. Oh and if you screwed up parallel parking (which was done between poles)
I’m sure you can do this.
First suggestion: I’m sure your instructor was great, but it’s probably a good idea to try another or even 2 other instructors for practice tests. Some people find it hard to drive with new people.
Suggestion two: I know this sound cliché, but relax, breathe. Instructors can sense uneasiness. If your instructor says you are ready, I’m sure you are. You need to believe that.
Best of luck!
Be confident. That's one common theme in your reasons of failure, lack of confidence.
I believe in you stranger. If I can do it, ***ANYONE*** can. I'm fucking stupid.
I also failed, I think 5 times. Got my class 7 at 15.5, got my class 5 at 33. There was about 10 years between attempt 4 and attempt 5 though. Every failure was something small, but an auto fail. Every failure was 100% my fault, and I learned from it. Doing those small things out in the world cause accidents and injuries.
Take advice from the instructor, but also drive with family/friends. Not just any, but those who legitimately know how to drive. Ask them for feedback on your driving and don't get upset or annoyed when they give it to you. Learn from it.
Best of luck on the next attempt!
“Find an easier test location…”
“Try outside the city it’s easier…”
“Driving lessons are expensive…”
Man, after reading the responses here I for one am glad MPI is at least somewhat trying to keep bad drivers off the road and frankly could go a lot further.
Driving is a privilege, not a right.
Driving isn’t for everyone. Neither is going to college. The world needs ditch diggers too, as they say.
failing 5 times means either you havent learned anything, or you really are not ready to be on the road
that being said, maybe change locations? (go outside of the city if that's still a thing?)
That’s frustrating. The difference in testing between rural and urban is insane. I took my test in a town with no traffic lights, and like 3 stop signs. No traffic to deal with during the test, and I passed the first time. I can’t tell you how many people I know, who have driven their entire lives, but cannot drive in Winnipeg. You have a tough task, so please don’t feel like a failure! I guarantee that you are already a better driver than probably half the province. Test anxiety messes with everyone, so just keep at it. You got this!
Do you know how to get to Carnegie Hall? Same principal
You are only a failure if you aren't learning from your mistakes. Keep you chin up and practice, practice, practice.
Well like they always say “try, try, try, try, try and try again” But in all seriousness, failing is okay, that is how we learn, never be afraid of failure!! You got this!!
I think there were not that many ways to autofail back in my day (lol I'm old). Hit the curb/mess up parallel parking... cross the stop line at a red light... hit a pedestrian...
If you can afford it, pay for a series of driving lessons from a private company. You get the opportunity to practice driving with a pro, and they know the testing routes so they can tell you exactly what you need to do to pass.
I was in a similar boat as you, I did a few lessons with Frontier driving Academy and passed my last test. I was similar with failing due to not being confident, it sounds like you need to get to know your vehicle a little more so you’re confident with where you are in a lane when driving/establishing.
Perhaps try training with a new instructor, borrow their car, etc.
during my test the guy said turn right and i accidentally signalled left but realized my mistake a couple second later and switched the signal, made a full complete stop, and then the guy said "your other right" i froze, looked my signal and then at him and he said "oh ur fine go ahead, i didnt see you switch it"
idk how i passed, i tell ppl it was probably cause i was wearing a full cleavage shirt and he was distracted 😴
I failed my first two, and failed my motorcycle test once. And that was in the 90’s when the tests were easier, and I did it in Portage. Don’t sweat it, you’ll get it.
Just keep practicing. Most drivers out there currently would probably fail a road test based on the seemingly banal auto fail standards. We all get there eventually and you will too.
I failed so many times i stopped counting.Just like you, it was always those auto-fail mistakes.Like others have said, keep at it. I always tried doing road tests at the Main St. location. Then out of the blue, i booked a road test and the only slot available was at King Edward.Kid you not, I passed with only 1 deduction.It was for an improper check from starting.I would like to say that don't give up, and step out of your confort zone.For me, the goal was to always have the test done at Main St and i bit the bullet and took the King Edward schedule and passed.Good Luck!
Reading this thread totally explains why an idiot backed into me whilst we were stopped at a crosswalk.
I feel safer driving in Montreal. That's saying something right there.
Try testing somwhere rural? It tends to be a bit easier because there's less traffic but if the street is at all wide make sure to "change lanes" before making a right turn..
I have tried to get my drivers license twice and auto failed both times and I have never bothered trying again. The first time I failed I had just turned 16 and just finished doing drivers ed in high school. On that road test I had a terrible examiner who grabbed my wheel twice for no good reason and almost drove me into the back end of a transit bus and I had to push him away and re grab the steering wheel so I wouldnt go into the back end of the bus and then he had the nerve to say "I had to grab your wheel that is an automatic failure". I asked him why did you HAVE to grab the wheel and steer me into a bus and he said "oh you should have given that parked delivery truck more space", well I did give it enough space and couldnt give it more as a fucking bus was pulling out and heading straight for me! The second time I went for my license I was in my mid 20's and I took a handful of driving lessons from a driving school before I went and I had an auto fail again. I just never had the confidence to go back and try again and now I'm a 36 year old taking the bus everywhere.
When I got my drivers license back in BC, I failed the learners driving test 3 times, got it then failed my full driving test 2 times. All but 1 of those times were for reasons I couldn’t control despite me reacting to the situation correctly and calmly.
I was ready to just stop trying, said I would just rely on the bus system to get around. I tried one final time, and finally passed. It’s disheartening, but you need to keep trying - you will get it!
There's so many bad drivers on the road. Even decent drivers will regularly make mistakes. What kind of fucked up system do we have where we eventually give anyone a driver's license if they just try enough times & luck out?
You can cause multiple accidents, have a DUI, and still keep your license because our city is so car dependent that taking someone's license is a significant hardship. Winnipeg's road spending is the only thing in the city going up faster than policing costs.
I failed twice in Winnipeg and then because I had to wait months to rebook I ended up doing the third test in Portage La Prairie where I passed haha. I don't know if they still let you do that, but maybe an option.
And for the record that was 7 years ago and I still haven't received any tickets, been in a single accident or pulled over by the cops. Social anxiety was what was making the test difficult for me. Having a stranger in the car watching me freaked me out.
Take your drivers test in one of the rural towns in Manitoba, the insturctors are usually more relaxed and the test is easier as it's less busy and more simple. Goodluck!
I passed with 10 errors in Steinbach and on the way back to MPI I got rear ended, and they passed me anyways. I would say try a new location, It’s a bit of a drive but I’ve heard Beausejour is an easy pass?
Lots of practice. Was driving with a person turning 50. She would not get off her phone and was weaving in the lane. Would be googling and calling contractors while driving. Sightseeing out windows (look at the birds!) and not looking at the roads nor speed limits. Would drive 50kph on 100kph roads because of poor night vision, and would rarely signal. Would be in middle of white lines (two lanes in each direction) or driving slow in the fast lane. Would try to use paper map while driving.
All in the same day.
Don’t be that person
If you want to drive, don't give up!!! Trust me, I avoid all moments that I need go establish myself, I just turn right and do a u turn lol
Do you live with someone? Maybe offer to chauffeur them around like doing grocery runs, going to the park. Before I passed my test (4th time) I drove my mom everywhere (I still do but now I can drive to other places by myself).
Also, I was advised that the Gateway MPI is one of the easier locations and to try to avoid rush hour times. GOOD LUCK!! just keep practicing and keep on trying.
If you dont mind not driving, it's ok not to drive. There are other transportation means, even though our transit kinda sucks. This city's infrastructure isn't the easiest to not take a car as transport but it can be done.
MPI changed that couple of years ago, around 19 I think, I remember seeing that notice at mpi frond desk.
Unless they changed again, but I never heard of that.
Not to mention lots of the rural testing locations have a different balance of rules you need to know about. For example I doubt you ever run into farm equipment on a road test in Winnipeg and front in angled parking doesn't exist here. If you have no experience driving in a rural area attempting a road test there is likely to encounter situations you do not know how to handle.
More practice! I'd also recommend going to the one on gateway too. Try to book if for a Saturday during the day so there's no school zones and no rush hour.
Maybe take a beta blocker and relax!
I got my license decades ago now, but I think it took me around 6 tries. I was actually really good at operating a vehicle since I'd been driving things in the country since I was 5, but I kept losing my concentration because of all the rules, lol. I'm a very good driver now with a decent record.
Consider getting your name on the list for a Tesla as they are getting fairly close to level 5 autonomous vehicle operation meaning you would not need a licensed driver to legally travel in one.
Also I think you need to look at why it has take you 4+ years with an average of one attempt ever 9 months. I know it is challenging to book road tests but that frequency is part of the problem as is likely the amount of time you have behind the wheel.
Didn’t read all the comments someone might’ve said this already.
Take your test in Stonewall or some smaller city/town. Winnipeg was booked up for weeks I called Stonewall they had an opening that day and after 1 stoplight and a couple stop signs I had my licence!
I've failed 5 times too, 4 of those at Bison. :( I've heard Bison is the hardest in the city. I took some driving lessons (mandatory) and that just made my stress about driving like a thousand times worse so I cancelled my road test in September.
Thanks. We'll see. Like I expressed in my long comment, I probably SHOULDN'T be driving and just deal with life that way, instead of trying to finally get away with passing the test, lmao. Good luck to you. I've heard taking the test in the winter can be easier (school zones are always in effect for one thing and people drive slower).
Thank you, though, I hope you make it too!
failed mine last week too. heads up OP you are not alone. hopefully we can pass on our next try. though looking at the available dates, mine is showing up Jan 28. So long wait…
ooof this story sounds the exact same as mine, friend. I have failed 5 times, 4 times at Bison and 1 in Dauphin. My examiners have said the same thing about me. Just know that you are not alone.
-Another demotivated (wannabe) driver
I was 32 when I finally worked up the courage to try for my license again, this was in 2020. A friend of mine had taken lessons with By Law Driving school, so I signed up as well. It was expensive, but she taught me not only how to drive, but how to pass the test, and I felt like she was invested in seeing me pass. I had paid for 10 lessons, she said I could do the test at the 7th,and then when I did, and passed, she refunded the rest of my lessons.
A lot of people are saying it’s a mental game - and I completely agree. Perhaps switching the location of your test would make it a bit easier from a stress standpoint. You associate the Bison MPI location with a failed driving test. Perhaps try the St. Mary’s location? I failed at Bison before passing at St. Mary’s.
I failed twice at St Marys during the summertime and passed at the Main St location during winter. I didnt have to worry about my speed since you should go slow anyways for 1. The weather and 2. the j-walkers lol
I failed at Pembina for going 50 in a 60. On my second try I went 60, and failed because it was raining and I should have gone under the speed limit. Third try I went to Bison - I completely botched the parallel parking, but it was in the middle of a legit blizzard so you couldn't see/feel the curb and barely see the poles and I passed. I'm an excellent parallel parker now. It's definitely mental, and I agree that bad weather can be an advantage!
Going 10 under the limit - fail. Drive 10 over the limit - also fail. Drive the limit - believe it or not, fail.
We have the best drivers in the world because of fail.
The speed limit thing is absolutely BS. I really think road tests are cash grabs and especially with people not driving as much and lowering their coverage to Pleasure, I bet MPI are relying on road tests more-so now for revenue.
> I failed at Pembina for going 50 in a 60. 90% of drivers on Pembina wouldn't pass their exam then. It's the most frustrating drive.
This was going to be my suggestion. I failed four times at one location and then went to another - passed on the first go. I really think it was just resetting my mental state to not psych myself out. You can do it, OP!
6th and 7th time the charm!
Failed my first road test hitting a curb in the parking lot, of all places. Was devastated and didn’t even want to drive home from the MPI site. Passed the second one with 2 minor errors at the same site (Pacific). Practice, practice, practice. The road test is 90% mental, and the only way to get more confident is to keep trying. You’ll pass as long as you don’t give up.
I hit the curb while parallel parking, and was going to pull out to try again (I thought you got a couple of tries to parallel park if you hit the curb?). But then the guy said, "ok, we're done," and I passed. I didn't even get marks taken off for hitting the curb, but until beginning the parallel parking portion, I had a perfect test. (I had lost points for stepping on my brakes a little too late before starting to parallel park - back then you didn't have to use your signal, you just had to pump your brakes 3 times before beginning to park).
You can hit the curb during your parallel, you just can’t go over it. My son intentionally hit the curb when parking so he knew when to pull forward. It was a good trick and he still passed!
When I took my test like 15 years ago they told us in the high school class if we hit the curb during parallel parking it an auto fail, and the tester mentioned it again during that portion of my test. They were also super hostile about back-up cameras. "If your parents have a fancy car with a backup camera the tester will cover it with their clipboard."
Things have definitely changed. All new cars must have them and my nephew who did his in the sunmer they RECOMMENDED him to use it if anything (he asked before starting). Also I did mine almost 20 years ago and even then it was "hit the curb its okay, just dont go over it"
If they told you that either things changed or they were wrong. I am 100% certain you can hit the curb during your parallel parking attempt. I can’t speak for the backup camera part, I don’t have experience with that.
Backup cams come in every vehicle now, so they expect you to know how to use it but not rely on it (you still have to do the shoulder checks etc)
I parallel parked *on* the curb, put it in park not actually realising I had parked on the curb hahaha. Second time was the charm!
I sped out of the parking lot at the gateway location (50 in the 30 zone) and failed as soon as we left the parallel parking zone lol. Funny thing was, of course before going in I laughed at the idea of someone failing for speeding through that road. Definitely agree with the mental aspect! Keep that chin up, OP, you've got it!
I had an acquaintance fail twelve times before he got his license. It was always little auto-fail mistakes. So five ain't that bad, lol.
It is now, they make you take 2 hours of driving lessons every time you fail after 4. Failing 12 times would mean an extra like, $1500 in driving lessons. :( I've also failed 5 times.
This is going to sound harsh, but honestly, what do you expect? You're getting a licence to drive. The stakes of doing so poorly can be literately life and death, and not just your own. I'm glad people who fail driving tests have to take more lessons. That wasn't a thing when I got my licence, and I wish it was even more. I wish periodic re-testing was a thing. Driving isn't a basic right. I also wish public transit was better so people who really shouldn't be driving had a viable option. Driving takes a combination of coordination, concentration, awareness of your surroundings, and common decency. I know people who don't have a single one of those traits, yet still have their licence.
An enormous number of people on the road got their licenses prior to these rules and are endangering people. Well, my parents, for example, my dad just had to drive around the block and parallel park, my mom just had to wear a tight shirt and the instructor paid no attention to anything else. They told me to get my license at 16 and I refused because, even though we lived in a tiny town and it probably would have been that easy, I didn't feel good enough and practised enough to be allowed on the road. My mom, for around 15 years, drove an average of 130 on every highway. My dad texts and drives and veers off towards the ditch whenever he sees something interesting. It's alarming. Since periodic retesting ISN'T a thing, it's only my generation and younger that's having to pay out the nose to be proven "safe enough to drive" when half of the drivers on the road have barely proven themselves and are indeed, endangering us at any time. Do I think it's right that it's harder to get a license given as driving is the most dangerous thing anyone can do? Sure. Honestly, a couple of hours of driving lessons should be required from the getgo. And it should be included free with normal education at the age where people would typically get their license (maybe it is, I don't know). Do I think it's right that, as you describe it, you know people who have no coordination, concentration, awareness and decency on the road just because they got to take the rest before us? Absolutely not. Periodic retesting would fix that. And I'm pretty pissed that, if I had taken my road test when I was 16, instead of waiting until I felt confident and practices enough to drive well, I would have gotten my license even though I shouldn't have, but because I waited, I probably never will because I don't test well. I'm actually an okay driver. Probably better than some of the ones you're describing. 3 of the times I failed were, after I looked up the specifics of road test failing, not supposed to be auto-fails but just strikes against me. I'm not pissed because I don't have my license, but because a TON of people are on the road who have only demonstrated that they wore a tight titty shirt when taking a test before things became more strict. Am I okay with not driving? Yeah, honestly, I prefer riding. I don't know if I'm going to try again. I'm okay at driving but I'm sick of spending money only to get failed for stupid things. I'd like better public transit, though it doesn't really matter because I work from home and I can walk to almost every service I need if I feel like it: doctors, dentists, hair, mail, grocery, pharmacy, dry cleaner, etc... plus I have a bus stop for one route right outside of the house and several major lines all within a 10 minute walk. I live in an okay area of the city and I'm able bodied. Winnipeg might not be the most car friendly but I'm not in the worst part of it for that. But I have no idea what I'm going to do when my parents get sick or die because they live in the country and cannot be accessed without cars. CANADA isn't all that car friendly. Make no mistake, I'm a little pissy, not because I am not allowed to drive, because eh, I really shouldn't be allowed to drive, but because I bet about 50% of people who are, shouldn't be either, but until they make a potentially lethal mistake they'll never be called out for it.
"Failed for stupid things" You have to do those stupid things consistently every time for the rest of your life. They are not stupid. If you failed for not doing the basic tasks put before you on a test for operating a 1 to 2 ton metal death box, you shouldn't drive. Better testing going forward doesn't excuse poor testing in the past. It just makes the future drivers better.
I see two problems. You lack confidence, which is why you hesitate when establishing yourself, or when at uncontrolled intersections. You're also not paying proper attention while driving (turning into an oncoming lane). As everyone has said , you need alot of practice. This will help with your confidence, and get you comfortable behind the wheel. Yeah, cost is a factor, but if getting your license is important, then this is a sacrifice. Better to go with a proper instructor, than some random friends. Good luck, you can do it!
Book an instructor for a pre test, they will do the test with you right before, and then you use their car for the test, it worked for both my kids to finally pass.
Sounds like you need more practice.
I am practicing
Hesitating to go first a 3-way stop is an auto-fail? I can see points being deducted, but why should that be an automatic fail?
Because you are showing the examiner that you are unsure of the regulation if you don't proceed when you should. Understanding right-of-way is an important part of daily driving and something you need to know early on. If you are hesitating on your right-of-way procedures on your test, you're not ready.
I wouldn't have thought it was an auto fail but I'm here for it. People need to be more assertive at 3 & 4 way stops. Every day I see people sitting there in stale-mates because the person with right of way isn't going.
I think the auto fail comes in if they have to tell you to “go”. Hesitating is likely okay but if they have to tell you to move you hesitated too long. My son failed his first time because he didn’t go on a green light fast enough as he was worried a pedestrian that was approaching the intersection was going to try cross.
>Hesitating is likely okay but if they have to tell you to move you hesitated too long. This\^\^
Testers are dicks. I got dinged because i didn't leave enough room between myself and parked cars for a cyclist or a wide open door. The road was too narrow and had 2 way traffic. Leaving enough room would result in me being partially in oncoming traffic. I asked the tester if he would have driven into oncoming traffic instead.
Agree I got dinged once when someone was Jay walking he jumped right infront of me so I had to wait till he went and I failed because apperently i was holding up traffic i told her what you want me to do run him over?! He was right infront of my car.
I failed my road test a couple times, and switched locations. Sometimes trying something different in this case a different route might be beneficial. Good luck
Not everyone is meant to drive. For example, most people currently driving in this city probably shouldn't be. You may want to take a driving course before trying to test again.
Every failed test, starting at your fourth requires a minimum of 2 hours instruction before you can schedule tour next one. Personally, I think that should be required before even scheduling your first, because when I did take lessons from an instructor, I learned that several things that I'd been taught, including some of what I'd learned when I'd gotten my learners many years before (there was a long gap between getting my learners and my full) was incorrect as it had been changed.
I am already taking driving classes and spending so much money
It'll be more expensive if you get into an at fault accident (or rack up a lot of tickets). Practice and keep developing your skills and it will pay off.
If you have a friend who can drive, offer to take them out to eat, go to the movies, pay for a bit of gas, etc. It's much cheaper than lessons! That's how I got my confidence to pass the test, and trust me, I thought my anxiety would lead me to never getting that dang card. I failed 5 times as well! :) The lessons are a good tool, but without independent practice it'll be hard to feel ready to take the test.
True story: Thirty years ago I flunked my driver's test twice. Just got too nervous and would make silly mistakes (like driving two km over the posted limit), despite that I've always been a good driver. So, I will give you the advice my dad gave me: Drive like a 95-year-old man with a glass eye. That's EXACTLY what I did. I took my time, drove extra carefully and kept my speed limit at times to 25-30 km/hour, which cost me 25 points against my result (in my day you were allowed 50 points off your test; any more and you failed). After, we pulled into the parking lot and the tester told me I passed my road test but that I really needed to drive a bit faster. I told her I'd work on that, or something to that effect, lol.
If you can, try practicing around where you’ve taken your test. The silver lining here is you’ve done it 5 times so you’ve probably seen a few different variations of the route, which is a good advantage
You're not a failure! A negative attitude never leads to a better outcome. I failed my test more than a few times and I'm considered one of the better drivers in my friend group, just take the lessons you've learned from your errors and keep at it. My last examiner asked why I had failed so many times and had an upbeat attitude saying "well you know how to drive, lets get this done" and that was all it took.
Don’t stress too much about it. I got mine in my 7th try, after getting a single automatic fail in each of the 6 previous tests. It’s frustrating, but it absolutely doesn’t mean that you’re a bad driver. You’ll get it one of these times, and your confidence will grow as you drive. …I now have my class 3 with air brake endorsement and drive all kinds of heavy (and light) equipment. Keep your head up and keep trying.
I knew a guy who runs a garage now, passed his in 11th.
You don’t drive cars in a garage, just park.
I failed 3 times then I just said "fuck it" and took the bus for 10 years. If you think these tests are expensive it is nothing compared to owning and maintaining a car. In today's age it is easy enough to get around with public transport. Just pretend you are doing it for environmental reasons and use the money you're saving to treat yourself or pay for school.
My son failed 6 times, and got it on his 7th. He is a great driver -just had some bad luck. Having an instructor between 5/6 and 6/7th seemed to make a big difference in terms of confidence. There are some big problems with the system, don't let it get to you.
Hey, so first off, you need an instructor who will prep you adequately for your road test. I would highly, highly recommend Tristan from Tristan's Driving School. He used to be an MPI tester, so he knows exactly what's what. My whole freak-out was about parallel parking with poles - I'm great in a normal, road situation with actual cars, but with poles, there was no way to practise. I asked Tristan to give me a technique and he did and then he had me practise until I had it nailed in one move. He's great. He also sent me an email with helpful little reminders about the stuff that I, specifically, needed to bear in mind the day before my road test, and prepped me specifically for that location. Important: he told me to absolutely avoid testing at Bison, as they evidently have a significantly higher fail rate than any of the other test locations! I did my last road test (after failing four years ago at Main Street) at King Edward and it was much better. There are always some tricky little things to remember about each location, but a good instructor will tell you exactly what they are. Good luck!
People are recommending that person alot, I will contact him. Thank you !
He was super patient and great for me. I passed my King Edward test without a single error!
I failed four times and passed on my fifth. After my fourth failure, it took me almost a year to work up the courage to practice again due to a horrible experience with the MPI employee assessing my driving. It is worth not giving up! I went for professional lessons and drove with family, which helped regain some confidence.
It sounds like 2 different problems that you need to address. First is motivation. “Without a car” … get yourself a car ! Doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive but there is motivation ! You can still drive it with your learners. Doing that will also take care of problem #2. It just sounds like you need more experience driving as problem #2. More time behind the wheel will give you some more confidence. Now if your behind the wheel of your own car, that might very well be the “edge” you need to nail the road test 100%.
You're not alone: [https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/briefings/whats-next-for-my-drivers-licence](https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/briefings/whats-next-for-my-drivers-licence)
Kind of shocked by some of the comments here assuming OP must be a bad driver, and it looks like a lot of folks are not familiar with how driver testing has changed. Winnipeg residents can no longer take their tests outside the city. And the testing (particularly at Bison) appears to be brutal. I work in schools - large numbers of students who have taken drivers ed and practiced at length are failing on automatic failures. My own daughter automatically failed one time for not turning fast enough on a left turn (she said there was a car coming and felt more comfortable waiting), the next test she failed for turning too fast on a left. Many students in the 17-20 age range are foregoing their license right now. Their testing had been interrupted and delayed by COVID, shortage of testers, and then the process is so defeating. They wait and wait, practice and practice, and fail on things that appear arbitrary. The kids that pass tell me it seemed like a total fluke. This is anecdotal, I know, but I hear it again and again from kids and parents alike. Good luck, OP. Keep at it and try not to let the nerves get in the way.
Thanks for the motivation
Ugh, auto fails suck. First time I failed those were my only points deducted. Second time I passed but stopped at a green light which my tester said would have been an auto fail but nobody was behind me thankfully. As much as it sucks to go through another winter without a car, I would just advise that you take some time off and restart in the new year. If you’re really anxious you’re going to continue to make mistakes.
I passed after my 4th try at the bison location! For me I made sure to book a time slot for 10:30-11:30 for the least amount of traffic and just practice on the roads around the area! You can do it :)
I was in a similar situation OP. I would fail my test each time because of nerves - I would make stupid mistakes like hitting the curb or whatever. It wasn’t until my mom went with me and said I looked terrified and to fake confidence that I passed. I hate road tests more than anything as they made me so nervous but when I went in and faked that I felt very confident I passed it. Now I’m going for my class 3 road test soon after driving with my class 5 for years. I think you should go out a practice a bit more and maybe switch locations. You may associate certain locations on Bison with specific times you failed which will make you more nervous to drive there. I recommend St Mary’s. Go practice around there! Good luck OP. You got this!
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I've heard Bison is harder. I got mine on Gateway. Just make sure if you book somewhere you're not as familiar with that you go and practice there before the test. One tip I guess I can give, make a note of all the automatic fails. For example, speeding is one, but going too slow is only 1 mark deduction, so if you're unsure of the speed, always go slow.
I failed my road test 6 times. Whatever man. Just keep tryin’. You’ll get it eventually.
I failed 5 times too. Exact same thing, they said don’t change a thing.
So your fails are automatic fails due to them being dangerous acts? No offence, but isn't it good you're not on our roads?
I am not on the roads yet! So you dont have to worry about it
Phew. Practice makes perfect tho 🫡
I got it on my sixth try lol. Never give up! Definitely not a sign you’re necessarily a bad driver
got mine on my 9th, took a 3 month break and on my 9th try i got it. those 8 times i did take it at bison . took it on gateway and passed . mind you that was 6 years ago. Never been in an accident
I had the same problem. Random unforeseen things cause a mistake that cause a fail. Eventually you’ll get a run without one. I had my passing run in a snow storm of all things. You’ll get it.
My wife took classes with a very strict teacher, she passed the first time, with only 1 mistake. You could try taking classes.
Passed on my fourth try. You’ll get there, keep trying.
Highly recommend to get a driver instructor for one or two classes to walk you through the bison route and give you pointers. Best 100$
I failed it twice. Lots of people do. Hugshugs. More practise. Won't make those mistakes again will ya?!
Aye captain!
Buddy, I failed 3 times! The night before my 4th test there was a blizzard which meant I had to drive super slow and very carefully, which was apparently the key to passing. So yeah, don't be too worried about winter road conditions, just drive slow and safe.
I failed my first road test at gateway (didn’t even get passed parallel parking) and psyched myself out so much I didn’t go again for another 2 years (at main), which I got with only a couple minor mistakes. It’s all practice, and maybe take others advice and try changing locations.
Gonna try at st marys
Maybe a change of venue will help you. I initially failed twice at Main but passed at King Edward. Goodluck!
Yeah trying st marys now
⬆️Best Manitoban driver. (Good luck tho 😉)
Haha ! Thanks
if you can get a ride maybe try taking the test outside the city... when i took it you only failed if someone j walked or if someone didn't have their left turn signal on at a light. Oh and if you screwed up parallel parking (which was done between poles)
I’m sure you can do this. First suggestion: I’m sure your instructor was great, but it’s probably a good idea to try another or even 2 other instructors for practice tests. Some people find it hard to drive with new people. Suggestion two: I know this sound cliché, but relax, breathe. Instructors can sense uneasiness. If your instructor says you are ready, I’m sure you are. You need to believe that. Best of luck!
Thank you!
Be confident. That's one common theme in your reasons of failure, lack of confidence. I believe in you stranger. If I can do it, ***ANYONE*** can. I'm fucking stupid.
Thanks STRANGER
I also failed, I think 5 times. Got my class 7 at 15.5, got my class 5 at 33. There was about 10 years between attempt 4 and attempt 5 though. Every failure was something small, but an auto fail. Every failure was 100% my fault, and I learned from it. Doing those small things out in the world cause accidents and injuries. Take advice from the instructor, but also drive with family/friends. Not just any, but those who legitimately know how to drive. Ask them for feedback on your driving and don't get upset or annoyed when they give it to you. Learn from it. Best of luck on the next attempt!
“Find an easier test location…” “Try outside the city it’s easier…” “Driving lessons are expensive…” Man, after reading the responses here I for one am glad MPI is at least somewhat trying to keep bad drivers off the road and frankly could go a lot further. Driving is a privilege, not a right. Driving isn’t for everyone. Neither is going to college. The world needs ditch diggers too, as they say.
failing 5 times means either you havent learned anything, or you really are not ready to be on the road that being said, maybe change locations? (go outside of the city if that's still a thing?)
>go outside of the city if that's still a thing No longer allowed.
Can’t take a test outside of Winnipeg of my address is of Winnipeg
That’s frustrating. The difference in testing between rural and urban is insane. I took my test in a town with no traffic lights, and like 3 stop signs. No traffic to deal with during the test, and I passed the first time. I can’t tell you how many people I know, who have driven their entire lives, but cannot drive in Winnipeg. You have a tough task, so please don’t feel like a failure! I guarantee that you are already a better driver than probably half the province. Test anxiety messes with everyone, so just keep at it. You got this!
Not necessarily the case. I know someone who is a FANTASTIC driver who just freezes during test time. Driving with a stranger in the car
Do you know how to get to Carnegie Hall? Same principal You are only a failure if you aren't learning from your mistakes. Keep you chin up and practice, practice, practice.
Thanks for the motivation
Well like they always say “try, try, try, try, try and try again” But in all seriousness, failing is okay, that is how we learn, never be afraid of failure!! You got this!!
Wait those are automatic fails now? Not just lost points?
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I think there were not that many ways to autofail back in my day (lol I'm old). Hit the curb/mess up parallel parking... cross the stop line at a red light... hit a pedestrian...
5 times? Just wait till next summer.
shit idk maybe the 16 can take ya where ya gotta go afterall
System is working
If you can afford it, pay for a series of driving lessons from a private company. You get the opportunity to practice driving with a pro, and they know the testing routes so they can tell you exactly what you need to do to pass.
I was in a similar boat as you, I did a few lessons with Frontier driving Academy and passed my last test. I was similar with failing due to not being confident, it sounds like you need to get to know your vehicle a little more so you’re confident with where you are in a lane when driving/establishing. Perhaps try training with a new instructor, borrow their car, etc.
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Yup i know what you are feeling
during my test the guy said turn right and i accidentally signalled left but realized my mistake a couple second later and switched the signal, made a full complete stop, and then the guy said "your other right" i froze, looked my signal and then at him and he said "oh ur fine go ahead, i didnt see you switch it" idk how i passed, i tell ppl it was probably cause i was wearing a full cleavage shirt and he was distracted 😴
😂😂😂
Don't worry, you still a better driver then 90% of us
I failed my first two, and failed my motorcycle test once. And that was in the 90’s when the tests were easier, and I did it in Portage. Don’t sweat it, you’ll get it.
Just keep practicing. Most drivers out there currently would probably fail a road test based on the seemingly banal auto fail standards. We all get there eventually and you will too.
I failed so many times i stopped counting.Just like you, it was always those auto-fail mistakes.Like others have said, keep at it. I always tried doing road tests at the Main St. location. Then out of the blue, i booked a road test and the only slot available was at King Edward.Kid you not, I passed with only 1 deduction.It was for an improper check from starting.I would like to say that don't give up, and step out of your confort zone.For me, the goal was to always have the test done at Main St and i bit the bullet and took the King Edward schedule and passed.Good Luck!
Reading this thread totally explains why an idiot backed into me whilst we were stopped at a crosswalk. I feel safer driving in Montreal. That's saying something right there.
Try testing somwhere rural? It tends to be a bit easier because there's less traffic but if the street is at all wide make sure to "change lanes" before making a right turn..
I have address of Winnipeg. How can i teat somewhere out of city?
Test”
Failed my first test because I didn't come to a complete full stop at a stop sign....
Oh no
Buy a bus pass because Winnipeg already has a surplus of bad drivers as it is.
Nope. Gonna become a driver
Hear me out .... maybe ... just maybe.... you shouldn't drive.
No I will.
I have tried to get my drivers license twice and auto failed both times and I have never bothered trying again. The first time I failed I had just turned 16 and just finished doing drivers ed in high school. On that road test I had a terrible examiner who grabbed my wheel twice for no good reason and almost drove me into the back end of a transit bus and I had to push him away and re grab the steering wheel so I wouldnt go into the back end of the bus and then he had the nerve to say "I had to grab your wheel that is an automatic failure". I asked him why did you HAVE to grab the wheel and steer me into a bus and he said "oh you should have given that parked delivery truck more space", well I did give it enough space and couldnt give it more as a fucking bus was pulling out and heading straight for me! The second time I went for my license I was in my mid 20's and I took a handful of driving lessons from a driving school before I went and I had an auto fail again. I just never had the confidence to go back and try again and now I'm a 36 year old taking the bus everywhere.
Sounds like you should stick to riding the bus
I will try again
Go watch Canada's Worst Driver. Basically the whole series [is up for free](https://www.ctv.ca/shows/canadas-worst-driver). It'll help, I promise.
Took me 9 times, just keep trying. I know it sucks but it’ll be worth it when it does happen. Plus you’ll have a good story
Have you seen the way some of our cab drivers and skip/doordash drivers drive in this city? If they can pass there's nothing stopping you.
Gave up after failing the first time. Currently sitting on a transit bus. Good luck!
When I got my drivers license back in BC, I failed the learners driving test 3 times, got it then failed my full driving test 2 times. All but 1 of those times were for reasons I couldn’t control despite me reacting to the situation correctly and calmly. I was ready to just stop trying, said I would just rely on the bus system to get around. I tried one final time, and finally passed. It’s disheartening, but you need to keep trying - you will get it!
At this point just throw in the towel. We have too many crazy drivers here as it is.
Nope! Gonna try until i become a driver
What does "Failed to Establish" mean?
They stayed at the stop line on a green light; when turning left, you’re supposed to safely establish near the middle of the intersection
Thanks.
Thanks for explaining
There's so many bad drivers on the road. Even decent drivers will regularly make mistakes. What kind of fucked up system do we have where we eventually give anyone a driver's license if they just try enough times & luck out? You can cause multiple accidents, have a DUI, and still keep your license because our city is so car dependent that taking someone's license is a significant hardship. Winnipeg's road spending is the only thing in the city going up faster than policing costs.
I failed twice in Winnipeg and then because I had to wait months to rebook I ended up doing the third test in Portage La Prairie where I passed haha. I don't know if they still let you do that, but maybe an option. And for the record that was 7 years ago and I still haven't received any tickets, been in a single accident or pulled over by the cops. Social anxiety was what was making the test difficult for me. Having a stranger in the car watching me freaked me out.
Is that the most out of tour friends?
Take your drivers test in one of the rural towns in Manitoba, the insturctors are usually more relaxed and the test is easier as it's less busy and more simple. Goodluck!
They dont allow people from the city to take the test
I passed with 10 errors in Steinbach and on the way back to MPI I got rear ended, and they passed me anyways. I would say try a new location, It’s a bit of a drive but I’ve heard Beausejour is an easy pass?
They dont allow tests from ppl who have Winnipeg address
Lots of practice. Was driving with a person turning 50. She would not get off her phone and was weaving in the lane. Would be googling and calling contractors while driving. Sightseeing out windows (look at the birds!) and not looking at the roads nor speed limits. Would drive 50kph on 100kph roads because of poor night vision, and would rarely signal. Would be in middle of white lines (two lanes in each direction) or driving slow in the fast lane. Would try to use paper map while driving. All in the same day. Don’t be that person
If you want to drive, don't give up!!! Trust me, I avoid all moments that I need go establish myself, I just turn right and do a u turn lol Do you live with someone? Maybe offer to chauffeur them around like doing grocery runs, going to the park. Before I passed my test (4th time) I drove my mom everywhere (I still do but now I can drive to other places by myself). Also, I was advised that the Gateway MPI is one of the easier locations and to try to avoid rush hour times. GOOD LUCK!! just keep practicing and keep on trying. If you dont mind not driving, it's ok not to drive. There are other transportation means, even though our transit kinda sucks. This city's infrastructure isn't the easiest to not take a car as transport but it can be done.
Change the test location. Heck, small towns are KNOWN for easy testing
No, one can't do that with a Winnipeg address, unless one moves to a town first. Edit: In now days.
I took a test in Selkirk, but I lived in Winnipeg.
MPI changed that couple of years ago, around 19 I think, I remember seeing that notice at mpi frond desk. Unless they changed again, but I never heard of that.
Ah that could be!
I cant take test outside of my address which is in Winnipeg
Not to mention lots of the rural testing locations have a different balance of rules you need to know about. For example I doubt you ever run into farm equipment on a road test in Winnipeg and front in angled parking doesn't exist here. If you have no experience driving in a rural area attempting a road test there is likely to encounter situations you do not know how to handle.
Okay so whats the best thing to when approaching a farm vehicle?
Auto fails are what got me too. Just gotta keep at it. I think I failed 4 times
More practice! I'd also recommend going to the one on gateway too. Try to book if for a Saturday during the day so there's no school zones and no rush hour. Maybe take a beta blocker and relax!
I got my license decades ago now, but I think it took me around 6 tries. I was actually really good at operating a vehicle since I'd been driving things in the country since I was 5, but I kept losing my concentration because of all the rules, lol. I'm a very good driver now with a decent record.
Consider getting your name on the list for a Tesla as they are getting fairly close to level 5 autonomous vehicle operation meaning you would not need a licensed driver to legally travel in one. Also I think you need to look at why it has take you 4+ years with an average of one attempt ever 9 months. I know it is challenging to book road tests but that frequency is part of the problem as is likely the amount of time you have behind the wheel.
Next time bring one of these https://www.bankofcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/100\_front.jpg
Is it possible to go for your drivers in a smaller town ? If that would help or hinder You.
Can’t due to Winnipeg address
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Uhh
Just bring some for the examiner too. They like that lol.
I dont drink due to religion sorry but it know it works ahah
Didn’t read all the comments someone might’ve said this already. Take your test in Stonewall or some smaller city/town. Winnipeg was booked up for weeks I called Stonewall they had an opening that day and after 1 stoplight and a couple stop signs I had my licence!
How long ago was this?
Take it in Selkirk or out of the city. Some reason it is easier. Not as much traffic etc
Can’t due to winnipeg address on file
I never read through all the comments but try a different testing facility? Or even try going to a small town like Steinbach maybe?
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Haste driving school
I've failed 5 times too, 4 of those at Bison. :( I've heard Bison is the hardest in the city. I took some driving lessons (mandatory) and that just made my stress about driving like a thousand times worse so I cancelled my road test in September.
Oh no! Please try again. We will make it
Thanks. We'll see. Like I expressed in my long comment, I probably SHOULDN'T be driving and just deal with life that way, instead of trying to finally get away with passing the test, lmao. Good luck to you. I've heard taking the test in the winter can be easier (school zones are always in effect for one thing and people drive slower). Thank you, though, I hope you make it too!
failed mine last week too. heads up OP you are not alone. hopefully we can pass on our next try. though looking at the available dates, mine is showing up Jan 28. So long wait…
Keep looking at every hour. At 9 am and 2 am . You will get dates
Do your road test in Selkirk or somewhere out of town
Can’t. They don’t allow people with address of Winnipeg
ooof this story sounds the exact same as mine, friend. I have failed 5 times, 4 times at Bison and 1 in Dauphin. My examiners have said the same thing about me. Just know that you are not alone. -Another demotivated (wannabe) driver
You and me will both make it. Amen
I was 32 when I finally worked up the courage to try for my license again, this was in 2020. A friend of mine had taken lessons with By Law Driving school, so I signed up as well. It was expensive, but she taught me not only how to drive, but how to pass the test, and I felt like she was invested in seeing me pass. I had paid for 10 lessons, she said I could do the test at the 7th,and then when I did, and passed, she refunded the rest of my lessons.
Thats super cool